Suspending means for harness frames



Jan. 20, 1953 P. c. CONSOLETTI SUSPENDING MEANS FOR HARNESS FRAMES FiledMarch :5, 1950 INVENTOR. PAUL C. C'ON-SOLETT/ A TTORNE Y Patented Jan.20, 1953 2,625,957 SUSPENDING MEANS FOR HARNESS FRAMES Paul C.Consoletti, Milford, Mass, assignor to Draper Corporation, Hopedale,Mass, a corporation of Maine Application March 3, 1950, Serial No.147,473

10 Claims. (01. 139- 88) This invention pertains to improvements inconnecting means for use in attaching harness cords to harness framessuch as are employed in looms for weaving.

It is an object of the invention to devise an improved and simplifiedattaching means for use in attaching any of the various types of loomharness mechanisms to harness frames and to devise relatively simple,inexpensive and yet effective means which shall perform its intendedfunction without more than a minimum of effort in assembly, adjustmentor maintenance and without any tendency to become displaced once it hasbeen definitely positioned.

In the conventional loom two or more harness frames are employed forsupporting a relatively great number of heddles through each of whichone of the warp threads is passed and by which it is manipulated duringthe shedding of the warp incidental to carrying out the weavingfunction. These frames take various forms, but each is reciprocatedthroughout a range of a few inches by harness mechanism, so-called,which must be attached to the frame in some positive manner. Generallysuch harness mechanism comprises, among other elements, a system ofcords or straps which are attached to the frames by some connectingmeans a great many different forms of which have been employed, but allof which have definite limitations. In harness frames, especially thosefabricated from metal, it is frequently the practice to extrude orotherwise form the top and bottom frame rails in such manner that abeaded rib is provided to which the straps or cords of the harnessmechanism are connected by an attaching or connecting means. It is thisgeneral type of harness mechanism and frame with which the presentinvention is concerned and for which the attaching means hereindescribed and claimed is adapted to be utilized.

The invention essentially comprises opposed clamping members which areeasily and quickly, although very positively, attached to the beaded ribof the frame rails and at the same time, are adapted to clamp orotherwise retain 'a looped connecting means to which the harness cordsor straps are hooked or otherwise connected.

The invention will hereinafter be described by reference to theaccompanying figures of drawing in which a preferred embodiment and onemodification of the invention have been illustrated, and wherein:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view showing a harness frame to which theconnecting means Qf the in- :stant invention av b en app ed.-

Fig. 2 is a perspective view, certain parts being shown exploded, andfurther illustrating the details of a preferred form of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a detail view showing a modification.

Now referring to Fig. l, a harness frame is comprised of top and bottomrails generally indicated by numerals l and H and being connected ateach end to end struts l2 and [3, these four frame members preferablybeing attached at the corners by rivets, although the exact mode offabrication of the parts and the means by which they are interconnectedforms no part of the present invention and naturally several other typesof construction may be used if desired. The rails l0 and II supportheddle carrying bars I and which are preferably formed as elongated,thin strips of hardened steel and which are quickly removable and whichmay be replaced and locked in position by a quickly releasable means oneof which is shown at each of the ends of the bars l4 and I5 and whichare designated by the numeral 16.

A plurality of heddles H are threaded onto these bars 14 and I5 and arefree to slide along the length thereof within limits as defined by theextent of the frame width and as governed by the number of heddles whichmay be carried Within any particular frame. The details of the heddleframe per se need not be explained more thoroughly here since they arethe subject matter of application Serial No. 144,972. filed February 18,1950, now U. S. Patent 2,618,296, and a full disclosure is to be foundthere. Furthermore, it is not important as to what particular form theframe details take except in that it is desirable that each of the railsl0 and H be provided with a beaded rib 18 or l9 throughout a part or allof its length. One of these beaded ribs is shown more clearly in Fig. 2,the rib portion extending from a hollow rectangular tubular extrusion orsimilar pressed or rolled form and being enlarged so that a somewhatcylindrical bead 20 is presented along the entire length of the rail forfacilitating the attachment of the harness connecting means.

The preferred form of the invention, Fig. 2, comprises two opposed clampmembers 2| and 22 which are preferably identical in form. Each one ofthese clamp members is provided at one side of its vertical center linewith a hole 23 for reception of a clamping or retaining screw 24, saidhole being countersunk in the event the screw or other connecting meansis of a type to require that. The other side of theclamp member 22 isdrilled and tapped as at 25 for the reception of the threaded end of thescrew or other connectin means 24. Thus since these drilled and tappedholes are at opposite sides of the center line and are symmetricallydisposed, the identical parts when opposed as herein shown may beinterconnected by two screws, although it is to be understood that boltsand nuts may be used if desired in which event neither of the holes needbe tapped. However, it is preferably that screws with countersunk headsbe used since that leaves a smooth exterior to the connecting means andtherefore there is no conflict or undesired interengagement betweenparts of adjacent harness frames, it being understood thatthese framesare relatively thin and that in looms adapted to weave patterned fabric,a number of said frames are employed and confined to a relatively narrowspace.

The clamp members 2| and 22 are provided with grooves 26 and 21,respectively, which engage or embrace either side of the bead 29 therebyto retain the-connecting means at any desired fixed position along thelength of the frame rails, it being the general practice to employ foursuch connecting means, two above the harness frame and two below it.Each of the clamp members is vertically grooved as at 28 for thereception of a threaded sleeve 29, this threaded sleeve 29 fitting partin each of the clamp members and also having at its lower end a meansfor preventing its withdrawal once the members have been firmly attachedto the bead 2B, and also for preventing rotation of the sleeve. Thislast means comprises a flange or other abutment 30 which is flattened asat 31 on at least one side and preferably both sides, so that theabutment engages in recesses 32 one of which is preferably provided ineach of the clamp members since they are substantial duplicates. Theflattened sides prevent rotation of the sleeve while the flange portionor abutment 30 prevents axial movement of the sleeve, that beingessential since considerable axial pull is exerted on the connectingmeans as the harness frames are rapidly reciprocated to and fro duringweaving.

A looped connecting means having a threaded stem or shank 33 and ahooked or looped end 3a is threaded into the sleeve 29, the threadedinterconnection between the twoserving as a means 7 for adjusting theframe, although it is generally to be understood that other adjustingmeans is also providedin the harness itself so that this latteradjusting means need not provide for other than a relatively smallamount of adjustment or compensation in the positioning of the frames.

It is to be understood that by the term looped means it is notnecessarily to be inferred that the looped or hooked end of the ultimateconnecting piece is formed into a complete or closed loop. In someinstances and with some particular harness mechanisms hooks arepreferably to be used while in other instances complete or closed loopsmay be preferred. In any event, the term is to be understood asembracing both hooks and other forms of mechanism which may be classedas looped structures.

The threaded connection between the shank 33 and the sleeve 29 should insome manner provide for locking the parts so that the looped connectorsdo not rotate once they have been adjusted to proper position. Oneexpedient which has been found to suffice is that of bending the 'shank33 and its threaded end slightly so that it flexes somewhat when it is.screwed into the 4 sleeve. If the threads are thus caused to bindslightly, it has been found that there is no tendency for the parts tobecome unscrewed. If desired a lock nut may be used.

Now referring to Fig. 3, a modification of the invention is comprised oftwo opposed clamp members 35, these being similar to the members 2! and22, Fig. 2. Instead of using a threaded sleeve such as the sleeve 29 itmay be simpler and cheaper to employ a looped member having an outerhook or loop 36, and a stem or shank 31, the latter being upset orotherwise formed with an enlarged abutment 38 at its lower end. Thisabutment 33 may have flattened sides just as in the case of the flangeor abutment 30 and these flattened sides fit within recesses 39 whichserve the same purpose as the recesses 32, Fig. 2. Here there is noadjustment possible, but it is to be understood that in practically allinstances a relatively wide range of adjustment is provided within theharness mechanism itself such as adjustment by various turnbuckles orother expedients well known to those skilled in the art.

The modification as just above describedv is relatively simple andcomprises only three parts per attaching unit, two of these parts beingidentical so that in manufacture only two different parts need befabricated, it being. understood that the screws or other connectingmeans by which the two clamping members are fixed in position are astandard connecting means purchasable in the open market.

While the invention has beenv described by reference to disclosure ofmore or less specific forms thereof, it is. to be understood that theactual shape and size of parts may vary for different installations,and. that other interconnecting means than the screws 25 may be used. Insome instances it may be more desirable to employ clamping devices notdependent upon threaded engagement, and the invention is to beunderstood to contemplate the employment of such.

The sleeves 29 are preferably formed as separate members which are to beclamped in position as the assembly is fixed to the beaded rib of aharness frame upon which it is to serve. In some instances it may bepreferred to thread the actual groove or vertical opening in the parts,that is, the two clamp members may be fixed together temporarily,drilled vertically and then tapped for the combination of the threadedshank of the looped connecting means. In another case it may be foundmore desirable to make the parts as in Fig. 3, the recesses 39 providingfor some form of abutment or upset flange at the end of the shank 31,but it is not absolutely essential that the sides of the abutment beflattened to prevent rotation since with this simplified form ofconnecting means slight rotation of the looped connecting means may bepermitted, but the parts may not rotate to any great extent any way.

While one preferred embodiment and one modification of the inventionhave been disclosed, it is to be understood that the inventive con ceptmay be carried out in a number of ways. The invention is, therefore, notto be limited to the precise details described, but is intended toembrace all variations and modifications thereof falling within thespirit of the invention and the scope of the claims.

I claim:

1. For a loom harness frame having top and bottom rails the outerportions of which terminate in beaded longitudinal ribs, a harness anewconnecting means which comprises opposed clamp members, grooves in saidclampmembers for embracing the beaded rib of-theframe and indentationsdisposed intermediate the ends of said grooves, an attaching means heldby said clamp" members comprising a looped end, a shank and meanscomprising an enlarged abutment forming a functionally integral portionof said shank and engageable between indentations in the clamp membersfor preventing its withdrawal from the clamp members and. means forretaining said members in tight engagement with said beaded rib and forretaining the shank and that means functioning therewith to prevent itswithdrawal from the clamp members.

2. For a loom harness frame' having top and bottom rails the outerportions of which terminate in beaded longitudinal ribs, a harnessconnecting means which comprises opposed clamp members, complementaryrib bead engaging surfaces in said members, a looped harness attachingmeans comprising a looped end, a shank and an enlarged abutment forminga part of the end of the shank, complementary indentations in said clampmembers for receiving said shank and enlarged abutment, andinterconnecting means for said clamp members by means of which they aredrawn into clamping engagement with both the beaded rib of the frame andthe shank and abutment of the looped attaching means.

3. For a loom harness frame having top and bottom rails the outerportions of which terminate in beaded longitudinal ribs, a harnessconnecting means which comprises opposed clamp members, grooves in saidclamp members for embracing the beaded rib of the frame, a loopedharness attaching means comprising a shank with a loop at one end and anenlarged shouldered abutment at the other end, the sides of saidshouldered abutment being flattened, complementary grooves in said clampmembers for receiving the shank of the attaching means, recesses in saidmembers at the base of the grooves for the shank which provide a stopmeans for preventing removal of the shank and further cooperate with theflattened sides of the abutment to restrain it against rotation in themembers, and means passing through the clamp members for drawing theminto clamping engagement with both the beaded rib of the frame and theshank and abutment of the looped attaching means.

4. For a loom harness frame having top and bottom rails the outerportions of which terminate in beaded longitudinal ribs, a harnessconnecting means which comprises opposed clamp members, grooves in saidclamp members for embracing the beaded rib of the frame, an attachingmeans comprising a threaded sleeve and a looped bolt threaded into saidsleeve, said sleeve comprising a cylindrical portion and shoulderedabutment, grooves in said clamp members for receiving said cylindricalportion of the sleeve and recesses at the base of the grooves forreceiving said abutment and preventing withdrawal of the sleeve andlooped bolt from the clamp members after said clamp members have beenfirmly attached to the beaded rib of a frame.

5. For a loom harness frame having top and bottom rails the outerportions of which terminate in beaded longitudinal ribs, a harnessconnecting means which comprises opposed clamp membgrs, grooves in saidclamp members for embracing the beaded rib of the frame, an attachingmeans comprising a threaded sleeve and a looped bolt threaded into saidsleeve, said sleeve comprising a cylindrical portion and a shoulderedabutment, the side of said abutment being flattened, grooves in saidclamp members for said cylindrical portion of the sleeve-and recesses atthe base of the grooves for receiving said abutment, said recessesserving to prevent withdrawal of the sleeve and in cooperation with thefiattened sides of the abutment to prevent rotation thereof in the clampmembers when the latter are drawn into clamping engagement, and screwmeans for drawing said members into engagement with the beaded rib ofthe frame and with the sleeve.

6. Mechanism as defined in claim 5 wherein said screw means are threadedinto the clamp means, one from one side and one from the other, therebyto make possible the use of identical parts for each member.

7. For a loom harness frame having top and bottom rails the outerportions of which terminate in beaded longitudinal ribs, a harnessconnecting means which comprises opposed clamp members, grooves in saidclamp members for embracing the beaded rib of a frame, other groovesforming a part of said clamp members and being directed at right anglesto said first mentioned grooves, an attaching means comprising aninternally threaded sleeve and a looped bolt threaded into said sleeve,said sleeve being received within said other grooves and further havinga shouldered abutment at the end opposite the loop of the bolt andcomplementary shouldered portions forming a part of said clamp membersagainst which said abutment bears for preventing axial withdrawal of thesleeve when the parts are assembled.

8. For a loom harness frame having top and bottom rails the outerportions of which terminate in beaded longitudinal ribs, a harnessconnecting means which comprises opposed clamp members, grooves in saidclamp members for embracing the beaded rib of a frame, other groovesforming a part of said clamp members and being directed at right anglesto said first mentioned grooves, an attaching means comprising aninternally threaded sleeve and a looped bolt threaded into said sleeve,said sleeve being received within said other grooves, and means forpreventing withdrawal of said attaching means from said clamp memberswhen the parts have been assembled which includes an abutment on saidsleeve and complementary surfaces forming a part of said clamp membersagainst which said abutment bears.

9. For a loom harness frame having top and bottom rails the outerportions of which terminate in beaded longitudinal ribs, a harnessconnecting means which comprises opposed clamp members, rooves in saidclamp members for embracing the beaded rib of a frame, other groovesforming a part of said clamp members and being directed at right anglesto said first mentioned grooves, an attaching means adapted to beclamped within said other grooves and including a looped memberextending between said other grooves, an abutment forming a functionallyintegral part of said looped member and complementary surfaces formed insaid clamp members against which said abutment bears.

10. For a loom harness frame having top and bottom rails the outerportions of which terminate in beaded longitudinal ribs, a harnessconnecting means which comprises opposed clamp members, complementaryrib bead engaging surfaces in said members, a looped harness attach-REFERENCES CITED mg m cooperatmg, grooves m Said clamp The followingreferences are of record in the members dlsposed at right angles to thebead file of this, patent: engaging surfaces, said grooves being of suchsize and extent as to restrain a portion of said 5 UNITED STATES PATENTSlooped attaching means, and complementary in- Number Name Dateterengaging means forming parts of the clamp 2,216,682 Zurcher et a1Oct. 1, 1940 members and of the looped attaching means for 2,380,124Streuli July 10, 1945 preventing withdrawal of the latter from theformer when the clamp means are attached to 10 a beaded rib of a harnessframe.

PAUL C. CONSOLETTI.

